Exercise Apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus includes a base and a floor interface configured to facilitate movement of the exercise apparatus relative to the floor. The apparatus includes various configurations allowing for numerous different exercises and therapies to be performed by a user.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates to systems, apparatuses and methods for exercise and physical therapy.

BACKGROUND

Exercise and physical therapy regimens may include stretching, body weight training and training using weights or other specialized equipment. Physical therapists, trainers and the like at times need to prescribe exercises that strengthen or rehab very particular muscles. Specialized exercise apparatuses and methods can be useful in such situations.

SUMMARY

An exercise apparatus is disclosed. Some implementations may include a base, a hand grip mounted substantially perpendicular to the base, and a floor interface configured to facilitate movement of the exercise apparatus relative to the floor. In various implementations, the floor interface may be the bottom of the base or may comprise a plurality of casters, a non-rolling friction interface, a plastic plate, and the like.

In some implementations, the hand grip may include a knob on top and/or a hole configured for receiving an elastic band.

In other implementations, the base may include openings configured to receive the fingers of a user's hands.

In still further implementations, the apparatus may also include a plurality of pegs and a heel stop mounted to the base in an arrangement suitable for receiving a user's ankle and foot. At least one of the pegs may be adjustable in a manner allowing for the receiving of different sized ankles, and the heel stop may include a hole configured for receiving an elastic band.

In one implementation, the base may comprise a top plate and a bottom plate removably fastenable to one another to allow for the easy exchange of various floor interfaces.

The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. While certain features of the currently disclosed subject matter are described for illustrative purposes in relation to particular implementations, it should be readily understood that such features are not intended to be limiting. The claims that follow this disclosure are intended to define the scope of the protected subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawings,

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a simplified view of an exemplary exercise apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating a user using a knob to grip an exemplary exercise apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2B is a diagram illustrating a user using a grip to grip an exemplary exercise apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a simplified view of an exemplary exercise apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a simplified view of a user using an exemplary exercise apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a simplified view of an exemplary exercise apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating a simplified view of a top plate of an exemplary exercise apparatus in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating a simplified view of a bottom plate of an exemplary exercise apparatus with a rolling interface in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C is a diagram illustrating a simplified view of a bottom plate of an exemplary exercise apparatus with a friction interface in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an exercise apparatus 100 including a base 102, a hand grip 104 mounted substantially perpendicular to the base, and a floor interface configured to facilitate movement of the exercise apparatus relative to the floor. In this exemplary implementation, the floor interface is represented by casters 110. Hand grip 104 may optionally include a knob 118. Apparatus 100 may also include at least two pegs 106 and a heel stop 108 mounted to base 102 in an arrangement suitable for receiving a user's ankle and foot respectively. At least one of pegs 106 may be adjustable within a slot 112 to better fit the user's ankle. Base 102 may also include two openings 114 configured to receive the fingers of a user's hands. Optionally, hand grip 104 and/or heel stop 108 may include a hole 116 configured for receiving an elastic band.

Hand grip 104 is preferably mounted perpendicular to base 102. However, hand grip 104 may be mounted substantially perpendicular to the base (substantially meaning that the hand grip is mounted at an angle greater than 75 degrees and up to and including 90 degrees from base 102). The present disclosure also contemplates an implementation of apparatus 100 wherein hand grip 104 is mounted at an angle between 30 degrees and 75 degrees from base 102.

Hand grip 104 is preferably designed in a manner that makes it easy and comfortable for a user to grasp and, in one implementation, hand grip 104 is approximately five to seven inches tall to provide enough space for a user with large hands, and to provide a beneficial height for particular exercises.

In one implementation, a knob 118 may be included on top of hand grip 104 to allow for an alternative grip on apparatus 100 that facilitates improved stretching of the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi muscles. For example, FIG. 2A illustrates a user 202 using knob 118 to grip apparatus 100, as opposed to using grip 104, as shown in FIG. 2B. User 202 may also place his or her hand flat on base 102 for a variation on the exercises shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2A. This type of exercise is most easily performed when apparatus 100 is in the configuration shown in FIG. 5, where the pegs 106 and heel stop 108 are removed (apparatus 100 may optionally not include pegs 106 and heel stop 108, or these parts may be designed to be conveniently removably connected to base 102 such that they can be removed from apparatus 100 and replaced). It is also possible for a user 202 to use apparatus 100 while lying on his or her back, preferably grasping hand grip 104 rather than knob 118 (as shown in FIG. 2B, not FIG. 2A).

In some implementations, base 102 of exercise apparatus 100 may include a pair of openings configured to receive the fingers of a user's hands. This configuration can be used for a further variety of exercises when the floor interface provides spacing between base 102 and the floor (for instance, when the floor interface comprises casters 110).

Hand grip 104 may also include a hole 116 for receiving an elastic band. An elastic band may be threaded through hole 116 when it is configured with a diameter wide enough to allow a standard elastic band to pass through, but small enough to prevent a knot in the band from passing through. The other end of the elastic band may be fixed to a nearby substructure and apparatus 100 may then be used for exercises requiring additional resistance.

In yet another configuration and use of apparatus 100, free weights may be positioned on base 102, over hand grip 104, for an alternative method of adding resistance to exercises. Such a use of apparatus 100 is facilitated when the apparatus is in the configuration shown in FIG. 5, but without a knob 118.

As noted above, apparatus 100 includes a floor interface configured to facilitate movement of the exercise apparatus relative to the floor. Exercise or therapy with apparatus 100 requires a user 202 to move the apparatus with respect to the floor. In this vein, one implementation of apparatus 100 may include a floor interface that comprises a plurality of casters 110 (as shown in FIG. 1). While casters are depicted in this implementation, the present disclosure contemplates that any other devices enabling a rolling interface may be used in their place. Rolling interfaces can be beneficial with floor surfaces on which it would be difficult to move the apparatus due to a high friction coefficient.

In another implementation, the floor interface may be a non-rolling, friction interface. As one example, the non-rolling friction interface maybe a plastic plate that may be affixed to the base, the plastic plate preferably having rounded or beveled edges to facilitate smooth movement over the floor. The type of plastic chosen for this exemplary non-rolling floor interface may be chosen for its particular friction characteristics. It is contemplated that a variety of friction floor interfaces may be utilized, having varying friction coefficients between the interface and the floor surface on which the exercise apparatus is used. Such non-rolling, friction interfaces may be beneficial when apparatus 100 is being used on carpeting. It is also contemplated that the floor interface may merely be the bottom of base 102 and, in such an implementation, would be another instance of a non-rolling, friction interface.

Exercise apparatus 100 may be made without a hand grip, or may be made in a manner where hand grip 104 is removably mounted to the base. For example, hand grip 104 may be removably mounted by means of a fastener extending from hand grip 104 through opening 302 shown in FIG. 3, to be tightened with a wingnut from below. In a preferred embodiment, opening 302 contains a receptacle, which may receive an extension from the bottom of hand grip 104 that removably locks into place within the receptacle.

As noted above, apparatus 100 may contain at least two pegs 106 and a heel stop 108 mounted to the base in an arrangement suitable for receiving the ankle and foot of user 202. In this configuration, apparatus 100 may be used for exercises as shown in FIG. 4. In such a configuration, base 102 may include a nonslip surface to further prevent slipping of the ankle and foot of user 202.

In one implementation, at least one of pegs 106 is adjustable in a manner allowing for the receiving of different sized ankles. As an example, a peg 106 may be able to slide within a slot 112 and be fixed at a location providing a snug fit around the ankle of user 202.

In some implementations, heel stop 108 may include a hole 116 for receiving an elastic band for resistance exercises, in the manner described above with respect to hole 116 in hand grip 104.

In another implementation of the present disclosure, shown in FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, apparatus 100 may include a base having a top plate 602 and a bottom plate 604 removably fastenable to one another. Such an implementation allows for easy conversion of apparatus 100, for example, by allowing a quick change of the floor interface, which is part of bottom plate 604. In the example of FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C, top plate 602 is removably fastenable to bottom plate 604 shown in either FIG. 6B or FIG. 6C. With this configuration, apparatus 100 may be converted from a rolling interface (e.g., casters 110 shown in FIG. 6B) to a friction interface, shown in FIG. 6C. Such implementations may include fasteners having a top plate fastener portion 606 and a bottom plate fastener portion 608. Any type of fastener allowing for the top plate and bottom plate to be removably fastened to one another is contemplated. The two plates maybe clamped together, screwed together, etc. In one implementation, top plate 602 includes a top plate fastener portion 606 having a bore configured to receive a peg-shaped bottom plate fastener portion 608. The top plate fastener portion 606 and bottom plate fastener portion 608 may be configured so that they are removably locked together when fully engaged, for example, by having a ridge on a bottom plate fastener portion 608 that is peg shaped, and a corresponding feature in top plate fastener portion 606 that will catch on the ridge—resulting in the plates being locked together, but separable with the application of a moderate force.

It should be noted that while the implementations of the present disclosure depicted in the drawings include a circular shaped base 102, a circular shaped top plate 602 and a circular shaped bottom plate 604, it is contemplated that base 102 and plates 602 and 604 may take on any variety of shapes and need not be circular.

In the implementations of the present disclosure including a top plate 602 and bottom plate 604 removably fastenable to one another, each of the additional features discussed throughout this disclosure may be implemented on such an apparatus 100. For example, the various floor interfaces including casters and non-rolling friction interfaces such as plastic plates may be used with respect to bottom plate 604. Top plate 602 and bottom plate 604 may include openings configured to receive the fingers of a user 202's hands. Top plate 602 may include a hand grip, and may include at least two pegs and a heel stop, etc.

In yet another implementation, apparatus 100 may be converted from having a rolling floor interface to having a non-rolling friction interface simply by removing the rolling interface. For example, in the case where the rolling interface is a plurality of casters 110, the casters may be mounted in a manner to facilitate easy removal. In one implementation, instead of mounting casters 110 to base 102 with screws, casters 110 may have pegs extending that, when inserted into the base, will lock into place (similar to the implementation described for connecting top plate 602 and bottom plate 604 with respect to FIG. 6).

In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible.

The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems, apparatus, methods and/or articles depending on the desired configuration. The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. The implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and subcombinations of further features noted above. Furthermore, above described advantages are not intended to limit the application of any issued claims to processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the advantages.

Additionally, section headings shall not limit or characterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue from this disclosure. Specifically, and by way of example, although the headings refer to a “Technical Field,” such claims should not be limited by the language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called technical field. Further, the description of a technology in the “Background” is not to be construed as an admission that technology is prior art to any invention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to be considered as a characterization of the invention(s) set forth in issued claims. Furthermore, any reference to this disclosure in general or use of the word “invention” in the singular is not intended to imply any limitation on the scope of the claims set forth below. Multiple inventions may be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claims issuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define the invention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise apparatus for use on a floor comprising: a base; a hand grip mounted substantially perpendicular to the base; and a floor interface configured to facilitate movement of the exercise apparatus relative to the floor.
 2. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the floor interface comprises a plurality of casters.
 3. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the floor interface comprises a non-rolling friction interface.
 4. The exercise apparatus of claim 3 wherein the non-rolling friction interface is a plastic plate.
 5. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the floor interface is the bottom of the base.
 6. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hand grip includes a hole configured for receiving an elastic band.
 7. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein a knob is included on top of the hand grip.
 8. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base includes two openings configured to receive the fingers of a user's hands.
 9. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hand grip is removably mounted to the base.
 10. The exercise apparatus of claim 9 further comprising at least two pegs and a heel stop mounted to the base in an arrangement suitable for receiving a user's ankle and foot respectively.
 11. The exercise apparatus of claim 10 wherein at least one of the pegs is adjustable in a manner allowing for the receiving of different sized ankles.
 12. The exercise apparatus of claim 10 wherein the heel stop includes a hole configured for receiving an elastic band.
 13. The exercise apparatus of claim 1 wherein the base comprises a top plate and a bottom plate removably fastenable to one another and wherein the hand grip is mounted to the top plate, and the bottom plate includes the floor interface.
 14. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 wherein the floor interface comprises a plurality of casters.
 15. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 wherein the floor interface comprises a non-rolling friction interface.
 16. The exercise apparatus of claim 15 wherein the non-rolling friction interface is a plastic plate.
 17. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 wherein the floor interface is the bottom of the bottom plate.
 18. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 wherein the hand grip includes a hole configured for receiving an elastic band.
 19. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 wherein a knob is included on top of the hand grip.
 20. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 wherein the top plate and at the bottom plate each include two openings configured to receive the fingers of a user's hands.
 21. The exercise apparatus of claim 13 wherein the hand grip is removably mounted to the top plate.
 22. The exercise apparatus of claim 21 further comprising at least two pegs and a heel stop mounted to the top plate in an arrangement suitable for receiving a user's ankle and foot respectively.
 23. The exercise apparatus of claim 22 wherein at least one of the pegs is adjustable in a manner allowing for the receiving of different sized ankles.
 24. The exercise apparatus of claim 22 wherein the heel stop includes a hole configured for receiving an elastic band. 